Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction such that main surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are adjacent to each other, a first plate portion on the main surface of an outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, and a second plate portion on a side surface of the plurality of battery cells. The second plate portion covers a side surface of the first plate portion, the first plate portion includes a protrusion protruding in the first direction, and the second plate portion includes a first bent portion surrounding the protrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery modules. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity battery cells can be used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity battery cells are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as as energy storage cells. A battery cell includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] To provide high energy density (e.g., for electric motor drives in hybrid vehicles), high-capacity battery cells can be configured as battery modules in which multiple battery cells are connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0004] In this configuration, multiple battery cells are housed within a module frame comprising side plates, end plates, and a base plate. To maximize the capacity of the multiple battery cells when connecting the various plates, welding methods utilizing lasers or similar techniques are typically employed to minimize the space occupied by the plates and to enable rapid assembly of the plates.

[0005] Welding methods such as laser welding have the following problems: as the size of the battery module increases and the weight of the battery cell increases, two or more welding lines need to be formed for the connecting plate, which results in a considerable amount of time and economic costs.

[0006] The information disclosed above in the background section of this invention is intended only to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery module in which the bonding between plates of the housing portion is achieved quickly and easily.

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery module in which the bonding strength between the plates of the housing portion is increased compared to battery modules of the related art.

[0009] In addition, embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery module manufactured using an economical battery module manufacturing process.

[0010] However, the purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of this disclosure.

[0011] This disclosure provides a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction such that the main surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are adjacent to each other; a first plate portion on the main surface of the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; and a second plate portion on the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells. The second plate portion covers the side surfaces of the first plate portion, the first plate portion includes a protrusion protruding in the first direction, and the second plate portion includes a first bend around the protrusion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the protrusion may extend along the height direction of the first plate portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, the protrusion may include a first plane extending along a first direction, a second plane at an angle ranging from approximately 10° to approximately 80° relative to the first plane, and a first connecting portion connecting the first plane to the second plane.

[0014] In one implementation, the first plane may be substantially parallel to the second plate portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first bending portion may include a first contact surface that contacts a first plane, a second contact surface that contacts a second plane, and a second connecting portion that connects the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second plate portion may include a first recessed portion on its surface opposite to the first contact surface, the first recessed portion being recessed toward the interior of the second plate portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second plate portion at the location where the first recessed portion is provided can be in the range of approximately 25% to approximately 70% of the average thickness of the second plate portion at the location where the first recessed portion is not provided.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second plate portion may include a second bent portion extending from the first bent portion, and the second bent portion may be bent in the opposite direction to the first bent portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second bending portion may include an extended surface extending away from the first plate portion and a third connecting portion connecting the extended surface to the second contact surface.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first plate portion may include a second recessed portion recessed inward from the surface of the first plate portion, and the third connecting portion may be in the second recessed portion.

[0021] Another embodiment of this disclosure discloses a battery module, including: a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction such that the main surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are adjacent to each other; a first plate portion on the main surface of the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; and a second plate portion on the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells. The second plate portion covers the side surfaces of the first plate portion, the first plate portion includes a protrusion protruding in the first direction, the second plate portion includes a first bend around the protrusion, and the battery module further includes a bonding portion that penetrates the protrusion and bonds the protrusion to the first bend.

[0022] In one embodiment, the protrusion may extend along the height direction of the first plate portion.

[0023] In an embodiment, the protrusion may include a first plane extending along a first direction, a second plane at an angle ranging from approximately 10° to approximately 80° relative to the first plane, and a first connecting portion connecting the first plane to the second plane.

[0024] In one implementation, the first plane may be substantially parallel to the second plate portion.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first bending portion may include a first contact surface that contacts a first plane, a second contact surface that contacts a second plane, and a second connecting portion that connects the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

[0026] In one embodiment, the joining portion can penetrate the protrusion and connect the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

[0027] In one embodiment, the battery module may further include a welding portion on the surface of the second plate portion opposite to the first contact surface, and the welding portion may be heated to form a bonding portion.

[0028] In one embodiment, the second plate portion may include a second bent portion extending from the first bent portion, and the second bent portion may be bent in the opposite direction to the first bent portion.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second bending portion may include an extended surface extending away from the first plate portion and a third connecting portion connecting the extended surface and the second contact surface.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first plate portion may include a second recessed portion recessed inward from the surface of the first plate portion, and the third connecting portion may be in the second recessed portion. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate at least one embodiment of this disclosure and, together with the detailed description of this disclosure below, are intended to provide a further understanding of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to what is shown in the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example battery cell in a battery module;

[0034] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line III-III';

[0035] Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the battery module board;

[0036] Figure 5A It is shown in accordance with Figure 4 A perspective view of the state in which the second plate portion of the battery module covers the side surface of the first plate portion;

[0037] Figure 5B It is a schematic representation based on Figure 5A An enlarged view of the implementation method of region A in the battery module;

[0038] Figure 5C It is along Figure 5B A cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV';

[0039] Figure 6A This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the battery module, in which a joint portion combining the first plate portion and the second plate portion is formed according to... Figure 5A In the battery module;

[0040] Figure 6B It is a schematic representation based on Figure 6A An enlarged view of the implementation of region B in the battery module; and

[0041] Figure 6C It is along Figure 6B A cross-sectional view taken from line V-V'. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Because this disclosure is subject to many different modifications and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the written description. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that may be included within the scope and spirit of the invention. In the following description, detailed descriptions of related known techniques that may obscure the main points of this disclosure will be omitted.

[0043] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used in this document to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments but is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, for clarity and convenience of description, layer dimensions are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically, and the dimensions of constituent elements do not necessarily reflect their actual dimensions.

[0045] In the description of each element, when an element is referred to as being formed “on” or “below” another element, it can be formed directly on or below the other element, or indirectly such that an intermediate element is also present. The terms “on” and “below” can be understood based on the accompanying drawings.

[0046] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 10 and a housing portion 60.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, a plurality of battery cells 10 may be arranged in a first direction Y. Figure 1 The diagram shows a prismatic battery cell 10 as an example, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The battery cell 10 may include various types of battery cells, such as cylindrical battery cells, pouch battery cells, or coin-shaped battery cells.

[0050] The housing portion 60 can accommodate (house) a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in the first direction Y.

[0051] The housing portion 60 may include end plates 61 and 62, side plates 63 and 64, a bottom plate, and a top cover 140.

[0052] End plates 61 and 62 can be located on the main surface of the outermost battery cell 10 among a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in the first direction Y.

[0053] In other words, end plates 61 and 62 can be located at both ends of the battery cell 10 in the first direction Y to fix the position of the battery cell 10 and apply pressure to the battery cell 10 in response to the expansion of the battery cell 10.

[0054] Side plates 63 and 64 may be located on the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in the first direction Y, and may be coupled to end plates 61 and 62. In one or more embodiments, side plates 63 and 64 may be coupled to end plates 61 and 62 to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 10 and surround the side surfaces of the battery cells 10.

[0055] When side plates 63 and 64 and end plates 61 and 62 are positioned, side plates 63 and 64 and end plates 61 and 62 can be joined together at the surfaces that contact each other by welding or other suitable methods. Welding or other methods can be, for example, laser welding of one or more lines.

[0056] The base plate can be located on the bottom surface of a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in the first direction Y to support the battery cells 10.

[0057] The top cover 140 can be positioned above a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in the first direction Y. The top cover 140 can prevent (or at least mitigate) the penetration of foreign objects into the battery cells 10.

[0058] End plates 61 and 62, side plates 63 and 64, bottom plate, and top cover 140 can be joined together to form housing portion 60 by means of convex-concave joint, mating joint, or jointing of individual components, and the joining method is not limited to these.

[0059] The battery module 100 may further include a busbar 120 and a bracket 110.

[0060] Busbar 120 can electrically connect one battery cell 10 to another battery cell 10 adjacent to it.

[0061] A first terminal 11 of a battery cell 10 can be electrically connected to a second terminal 12 of an adjacent battery cell 10 via a busbar 120, and the second terminal 12 of the battery cell 10 can be electrically connected to the first terminal 11 of another adjacent battery cell 10 via another busbar 120. Although Figure 1A series connection is shown, but the structure is not limited to this, and various connection structures can be used as needed, such as parallel connections or a combination of parallel and series connections. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the battery cells 10 are not limited to this. Figure 1 The structure shown is available and can be modified.

[0062] The bracket 110 can be located on multiple battery cells 10 and can accommodate busbars 120. Additionally, the bracket 110 may include a sensing unit configured to sense the temperature of the battery cells 10, the pressure inside the battery module 100, etc. The sensing unit can perform various protection functions to improve (increase) the stability and lifespan of the battery module 100. For example, the sensing unit can be connected to a battery management system (BMS). A top cover 140 can be located on the bracket 110.

[0063] Each of the busbars 120 may be provided with terminals for temperature measurement and / or terminals for voltage measurement, and the measured information may be transmitted to the sensing unit via wiring for comprehensive management.

[0064] Each of the plurality of battery cells 10 may include an exhaust port 13 at the top serving as a gas emission channel, and the support 110 may further include an aperture 130 overlapping with (e.g., substantially aligned with) the exhaust port 13. The aperture 130 may serve as an emission channel for high-temperature gases released through the exhaust port 13 in response to an increase in temperature of the battery cell 10.

[0065] Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of the implementation method of the battery cells of the battery module. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III'.

[0066] Refer to together Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to the embodiment, the battery cell 10 may include at least one electrode assembly 210 and a housing 15. The electrode assembly 210 is formed by winding a positive electrode 211, a negative electrode 212 and a separator 213 as an insulator inserted between the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212. The electrode assembly 210 is housed in the housing 15.

[0067] As an example, the battery cell 10 according to the embodiment is described herein as a prismatic lithium-ion battery cell. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell can be any other type of battery cell, such as a lithium polymer battery cell or a cylindrical battery cell.

[0068] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 may each include a coated portion and may also include uncoated portions 211a and 212a respectively. The coated portion may be a region on a current collector formed of a thin metal foil coated with an active material, and the uncoated portions 211a and 212a may be regions that are not coated with an active material.

[0069] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 are wound with a diaphragm 213, which acts as an insulator, inserted between them. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 210 may alternatively be configured as a stacked structure in which multiple positive electrode sheets and multiple negative electrode sheets are alternately stacked with a diaphragm inserted between them.

[0070] The housing 15 may define the overall appearance of the battery cell 10 and may comprise a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In some embodiments, the housing 15 may provide space therein to house the electrode assembly 210.

[0071] The battery cell 10 may include a cover 17 configured to cover an opening in the housing 15, and the housing 15 and the cover 17 may each comprise a conductive material. In one or more embodiments, a first terminal 11 and a second terminal 12, respectively electrically connected to a positive electrode 211 and a negative electrode 212, may pass through the cover 17 and protrude to the outside of the housing 15.

[0072] Additionally, the outer peripheral surfaces of the upper posts of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, which protrude outward from the cover plate 17, can each be threaded and fixed to the cover plate 17 by nuts.

[0073] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 may have a riveted structure and be riveted together, or the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 may be welded to the cover plate 17.

[0074] Additionally, the cover plate 17 may be a thin plate and may be coupled to an opening in the housing 15. The cover plate 17 may include an electrolyte inlet 14, a sealing plug may be installed in the electrolyte inlet 14, and the vent 13 may have a recess formed therein.

[0075] The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be electrically connected to the positive uncoated portion 211a and the negative uncoated portion 212a respectively by soldering to a current collector including the first current collector 240 and the second current collector 250 (hereinafter referred to as the positive current collector and the negative current collector, respectively).

[0076] For example, in one or more embodiments, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be soldered to the positive current collector 240 and the negative current collector 250, respectively. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, as well as the positive current collector 240 and the negative current collector 250, can be integrally joined together.

[0077] An insulating member may be located between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17. In one or more embodiments, the insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 260 and a second lower insulating member 270, and each of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 may be located between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17.

[0078] In some embodiments, one end of the separator may be between the insulating member and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, thereby facing a side surface of the electrode assembly 210.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the separating member may include a first separating member 280 and a second separating member 290.

[0080] Therefore, one end of the first separating member 280 and one end of the second separating member 290 can be mounted to face the two opposite surfaces of the electrode assembly 210 between the first lower insulating member 260 and the first terminal 11 and between the second lower insulating member 270 and the second terminal 12, respectively.

[0081] As a result, the first terminal 11, which can be soldered to the positive current collector 240, can be connected to one end of the first lower insulating member 260 and one end of the first separating member 280. Additionally, the second terminal 12, which can be soldered to the negative current collector 250, can be connected to one end of the second lower insulating member 270 and one end of the second separating member 290.

[0082] Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the battery module board. Figure 5A It is shown in accordance with Figure 4 A perspective view of the state in which the second plate portion of the battery module covers the side surface of the first plate portion. Figure 5B It is a schematic representation based on Figure 5A An enlarged view of the implementation method of region A in the battery module. Figure 5C It is along Figure 5B A cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV'.

[0083] Refer to together Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5CAccording to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 10, a first plate portion 61 and 62, and a second plate portion 63 and 64.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, a plurality of battery cells 10 may be arranged such that their main surfaces are adjacent to each other along a first direction Y.

[0085] In this embodiment, the main surface refers to the surface with the largest area among all the surfaces of the battery cell 10. Therefore, arranging the battery cells 10 such that their main surfaces are adjacent to each other means that the largest surfaces of the battery cells 10 are arranged to face each other.

[0086] The first plate portions 61 and 62 may be located on the main surface of the outermost battery cell 10 among the plurality of battery cells 10. That is, the first plate portions 61 and 62 may be end plates 61 and 62 included in the housing portion 60 that accommodates (retains) the plurality of battery cells 10 (see end plates 61 and 62 ). Figure 1 ).

[0087] The second plate portions 63 and 64 may be located on the side surface of the battery cell 10. That is, the second plate portions 63 and 64 may be side plates 63 and 64 included in the housing portion 60 that accommodates (retains) a plurality of battery cells 10 (see Figure 1 ).

[0088] The side surface of the battery cell 10 refers to the surface of the battery cell 10 other than the main surface, the upper surface adjacent to the support 110, and the lower surface adjacent to the base plate. In embodiments where the battery cell 10 is a prismatic cell in the form of a hexahedron, the side surface refers to the transverse surface of the battery cell 10 other than the main surface.

[0089] The side surfaces of the first plate portions 61 and 62 can be covered by the second plate portions 63 and 64.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 may together accommodate (retain) a plurality of battery cells 10, and one side surface of each of the second plate portions 63 and 64 contacts and seals the corresponding side surface of the first plate portions 61 and 62.

[0091] The first plate portions 61 and 62 may each include a protrusion 65 protruding in the first direction Y.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first plate portions 61 and 62 may each include a protrusion 65 extending from the side surfaces of the first plate portions 61 and 62 and projecting along a first direction Y.

[0093] In some embodiments, the second plate portions 63 and 64 may each include at least a first bent portion 66A surrounding the protrusion 65.

[0094] The first plate portions 61 and 62 may each include a protrusion 65 at a side edge opposite to the surface adjacent to the main surface of the battery cell 10, and a first bent portion 66A of each of the second plate portions 63 and 64 may at least partially surround the protrusion 65, thereby joining the first plate portions 61 and 62 to the second plate portions 63 and 64.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first bend 66A may extend around the protrusion 65 via a virtual axis in the height direction Z surrounding the second plate portions 63 and 64. In one or more embodiments, the first bend 66A refers to the area of ​​each of the second plate portions 63 and 64 that (at least partially) surrounds the protrusion 65.

[0096] The protrusion 65 may extend along the height direction Z of the first plate portions 61 and 62. In some embodiments, the protrusion 65 may be formed in a shape that protrudes in the first direction Y at a side edge opposite to the surface adjacent to the main surface of the battery cell 10, and may extend along the height direction Z of the first plate portions 61 and 62.

[0097] When the protrusions 65 formed on each of the first plate portions 61 and 62 are surrounded by the first bent portions 66A of each of the second plate portions 63 and 64, a bonding structure between the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 can be achieved. Furthermore, when force is applied to the first bent portions 66A and / or the second bent portions 66B, the bonding structure can be released in a simple manner.

[0098] The first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 may not only include the mechanical connection by the aforementioned connecting structure, but may further include a connecting structure in which the protrusions 65 are joined by welding or the like to connect the first plane 651 and the second plane 652. When the connecting structure further includes welding or the like, the connection between the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 can become more robust.

[0099] The protrusion 65 may include a first plane 651, a second plane 652, and a first connecting portion 653.

[0100] In one or more embodiments, the first plane 651 may extend along the first direction Y.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first plane 651 refers to the surface of the protrusion 65 that is continuously connected to the side surface of each of the first plate portions 61 and 62.

[0102] Furthermore, the second plane 652 may be at an angle ranging from approximately 10° to approximately 80° relative to the first plane 651.

[0103] In some embodiments, the angle between the second plane 652 and the first plane 651 may be in the range of approximately 10° to approximately 80°, and may be approximately 60°.

[0104] When the angle between the second plane 652 and the first plane 651 is less than 10°, the thickness of the protrusion 65 may decrease, which may in turn reduce the mechanical strength. When the angle between the second plane 652 and the first plane 651 exceeds 80°, the bonding force between the first plate portions 61 and 62 formed by the structure of the first bent portion 66A around the protrusion 65 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 may decrease.

[0105] In embodiments where the angle between the second plane 652 and the first plane 651 is in the range of approximately 10° to approximately 80°, the first bent portion 66A can smoothly form a structure around the protrusion 65, thereby providing excellent bonding force between the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64.

[0106] The first connecting portion 653 can connect the first plane 651 to the second plane 652.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, the first connecting portion 653 refers to a curved surface connecting the first plane 651 and the second plane 652. In embodiments where the first connecting portion 653 is a curved surface, the second connecting portion 663 connecting the first contact surface 661 and the second contact surface 662 may also be a curved surface.

[0108] The first plane 651 may be parallel (or substantially parallel) to the second plate portions 63 and 64.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first plane 651 may be a side surface of the first plate portions 61 and 62 extending along a first direction Y. Therefore, the second plate portions 63 and 64 covering the side surfaces of the first plate portions 61 and 62 may be positioned parallel (or substantially parallel) to and in contact with the first plane 651.

[0110] The first bent portion 66A may include a first contact surface 661, a second contact surface 662, and a second connecting portion 663.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, the first contact surface 661 may contact the first plane 651.

[0112] The second contact surface 662 can contact the second plane 652.

[0113] The second connecting portion 663 can connect the first contact surface 661 to the second contact surface 662.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 can be joined together because the first contact surface 661 and the second contact surface 662 of the first bent portion 66A respectively contact the first plane 651 and the second plane 652 of each of the first plate portions 61 and 62.

[0115] In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 663 may or may not be in contact with the first connecting portion 653, and a space may be formed between the second connecting portion 663 and the first connecting portion 653 without tight contact therebetween.

[0116] The second plate portions 63 and 64 may each include the first recessed portion H.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, the first recessed portion H may be recessed into the interior of the second plate portions 63 and 64 on the surface opposite to the first contact surface 661. In one or more embodiments, the first recessed portion H may be a groove or a notch.

[0118] The second plate portions 63 and 64 may each include a first recessed portion H, and a joining portion 67 (see...). Figure 6B and Figure 6C The protrusion 65 can be formed in the first recessed portion H by welding or the like. In some embodiments, a joint portion 67 that penetrates the protrusion 65 and connects the first contact surface 661 and the second contact surface 662 can be formed by welding or the like in the first recessed portion H. Therefore, the virtual central axis of the first recessed portion H can penetrate the first contact surface 661 and the second contact surface 662.

[0119] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments where a joining portion 67 is formed in the first recessed portion H, included in each of the second plate portions 63 and 64, by welding or the like, the location where welding or the like begins can be identified or determined by a fully automated vision device. In one or more embodiments where the joining portion 67 is formed by laser welding, the laser can be focused on the first recessed portion H.

[0120] The thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location of the first recessed portion H can be in the range of approximately 25% to approximately 70% of the average thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location where the first recessed portion H is not provided.

[0121] When the thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location where the first recessed portion H is provided is less than 25% of the average thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64, the thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location including the first recessed portion H may become too thin, thereby reducing mechanical strength. When the thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location where the first recessed portion H is provided exceeds 70% of the average thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64, forming the joint portion 67 by heating the first recessed portion H by welding or the like may consume a large amount of energy.

[0122] In embodiments where the thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location where the first recessed portion H is provided is approximately 25% to approximately 70% of the average thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64, high mechanical strength can be ensured, and the thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location where the first recessed portion H is provided is thinner than the average thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location where the first recessed portion H is not provided, such that the first contact surface 661 and the second contact surface 662 can be joined by penetrating the protrusion 65 with appropriate welding energy.

[0123] The second plate portions 63 and 64 may each include a second bent portion 66B.

[0124] In one or more embodiments, the second bend 66B may extend from the first bend 66A.

[0125] The second bending portion 66B can be bent in the opposite direction to the first bending portion 66A.

[0126] As used herein, when the first bent portion 66A bends clockwise, the opposite direction refers to the counterclockwise direction, and when the first bent portion 66A bends counterclockwise, the opposite direction refers to the clockwise direction. Therefore, in the embodiment where the first bent portion 66A bends clockwise around the protrusion 65, the second bent portion 66B can bend counterclockwise, and in the embodiment where the first bent portion 66A bends counterclockwise around the protrusion 65, the second bent portion 66B can bend clockwise.

[0127] The second bending portion 66B may include an extension surface 664 and a third connecting portion 665.

[0128] In one or more embodiments, the extension surface 664 may extend from the first bend portion 66A away from the first plate portions 61 and 62, and the third connecting portion 665 may connect the extension surface 664 and the second contact surface 662 to each other.

[0129] In some embodiments, the second bent portion 66B may be bent in a direction away from the main surface of the battery cell 10. Therefore, the second bent portion 66B may include an extended surface 664 that extends from the first bent portion 66A and becomes further away from the first plate portions 61 and 62.

[0130] As the extending surface 664 extends away from the first plate portions 61 and 62, a space can be formed between the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the extending surface 664. In order to disengage the first plate portions 61 and 62 from the second plate portions 63 and 64, a structure that allows the second bent portion 66B to be pulled can be inserted into this space, and through this structure, the second bent portion 66B can be pulled, so that the first plate portions 61 and 62 can disengage from the second plate portions 63 and 64.

[0131] In one or more embodiments, because the third connecting portion 665 connects the extending surface 664 and the second contact surface 662 to each other, the second plate portions 63 and 64 can each rotate an angle about a single axis. This single axis can be an axis extending along the height direction Z of the first plate portions 61 and 62 or the second plate portions 63 and 64, or it can be an axis parallel (or substantially parallel) to the height direction Z.

[0132] Each of the first plate portions 61 and 62 may include a second recessed portion D.

[0133] In one or more embodiments, the second recessed portion D may be recessed inward from the surface of each of the first plate portions 61 and 62 and may extend to the second plane 652 of the protrusion 65, and the third connecting portion 665 may be located in the second recessed portion D.

[0134] The second recessed portion D may be provided in each of the first plate portions 61 and 62 based on the assembly tolerances that may occur when assembling the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64, and the third connecting portion 665 may be located in the second recessed portion D.

[0135] In addition, the third connecting portion 665 may or may not contact the second recessed portion D, and because the third connecting portion 665 is located in the second recessed portion D, the first plate portions 61 and 62 can be stably attached to the second plate portions 63 and 64.

[0136] Figure 6A This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the battery module, in which the joint portion of the first plate portion and the second plate portion is further formed according to... Figure 5A In the battery module. Figure 6B It is a schematic representation based on Figure 6AAn enlarged view of the implementation method of region B in the battery module. Figure 6C It is along Figure 6B A cross-sectional view taken from line V-V'.

[0137] Refer to together Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 10, first plate portions 61 and 62, and second plate portions 63 and 64. Figures 6A to 6C The battery module 100 of the embodiment described herein includes, according to Figures 5A to 5C All technical details of the battery module 100 described in the embodiments are omitted, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0138] In one or more embodiments, the second plate portions 63 and 64 may cover the side surfaces of the first plate portions 61 and 62.

[0139] The first plate portions 61 and 62 may each include a protrusion 65 protruding in the first direction Y.

[0140] The second plate portions 63 and 64 may each include at least a first bent portion 66A surrounding the protrusion 65.

[0141] The battery module may further include a joining portion 67 that penetrates the protrusion 65 and joins the protrusion 65 and the first bent portion 66A together.

[0142] In one or more embodiments, the battery module may include a welded portion W on the surface of the second plate portions 63 and 64 opposite to the first contact surface 661, and the bonding portion 67 may be formed by heating the welded portion W.

[0143] In some embodiments, a welded portion W can be formed by heating the first recessed portion H in a welding or similar manner, and the welded portion W can form a joint portion 67 that penetrates the protrusion 65 in the direction of the virtual axis of the first recessed portion H and joins the protrusion 65 and the first bent portion 66A together.

[0144] When the protrusion 65 is at least partially surrounded by the first bent portion 66A, two contact surfaces are formed between the protrusion 65 and the first bent portion 66A. The joining between the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 can be performed by welding at the contact surfaces. In related technologies, to join the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 by welding, two welding areas are formed along the height direction Z, thus incurring significant time and economic costs. However, in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, two contact surfaces are formed between the protrusion 65 and the first bent portion 66A. Therefore, when welding is performed, the two contact surfaces can be connected by a single welding operation, thereby reducing time and economic costs.

[0145] In other words, the method of joining the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 by forming the joining portion 67 can connect the first contact surface 661 and the second contact surface 662 by penetrating the protrusion 65, thereby allowing the two surfaces to be joined in a single welding process (or operation). Therefore, even with a single welding operation, the structural rigidity of the first plate portions 61 and 62 and the second plate portions 63 and 64 can be increased, and the durability to withstand impacts and the expansion forces generated during the charging and discharging of the battery module 100 can be ensured.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, since the welded portion W is formed by heating the first recessed portion H, such as by welding, the thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location where a recessed portion H is provided can be restored to approximately the average thickness of the second plate portions 63 and 64 at the location where the first recessed portion H is not provided.

[0147] While this disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to it within the technical aspects of this disclosure and within the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

[0148] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a battery module is provided in which the joining of plates of the housing portion is quick and easily achieved by including only a single joining portion for joining the plates of the housing portion to each other.

[0149] In some embodiments, a battery module is provided in which the bonding force between the plates of the housing portion is increased even in the case of a single bonding portion for bonding the plates of the housing portion.

[0150] Furthermore, a battery module manufactured according to an economical battery module manufacturing process is provided by means of a single joining portion including a plate for joining the housing portion.

[0151] However, those skilled in the art will understand that the effects achievable by this disclosure are not limited to those specifically described above, and other advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells are arranged along a first direction such that the main surfaces of the multiple battery cells are adjacent to each other; The first plate portion is located on the main surface of the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells. as well as The second plate portion is located on the side surface of the plurality of battery cells. The second plate portion covers the side surface of the first plate portion. The first plate portion includes protrusions extending in the first direction, and The second plate portion includes a first bent portion surrounding the protrusion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion extends along the height direction of the first plate portion.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The protrusion includes a first plane extending along the first direction, a second plane at an angle ranging from 10° to 80° relative to the first plane, and a first connecting portion connecting the first plane to the second plane.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The first plane is substantially parallel to the second plate portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The first bending portion includes a first contact surface that contacts the first plane, a second contact surface that contacts the second plane, and a second connecting portion that connects the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The second plate portion includes a first recessed portion on its surface opposite to the first contact surface, the first recessed portion being recessed toward the interior of the second plate portion.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The thickness of the second plate portion at the location where the first recessed portion is provided is in the range of 25% to 70% of the average thickness of the second plate portion at the location where the first recessed portion is not provided.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The second plate portion includes a second bent portion extending from the first bent portion, and The second bent portion bends in the opposite direction to the first bent portion.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The second bending portion includes an extended surface that extends away from the first plate portion and a third connecting portion that connects the extended surface to the second contact surface.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The first plate portion includes a second recessed portion recessed inward from the surface of the first plate portion, and wherein the third connecting portion is located in the second recessed portion.

11. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells are arranged along a first direction such that the main surfaces of the multiple battery cells are adjacent to each other; The first plate portion is located on the main surface of the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells. as well as The second plate portion, on the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, The second plate portion covers the side surface of the first plate portion. The first plate portion includes protrusions that project in the first direction. The second plate portion includes a first bent portion surrounding the protrusion, and The battery module further includes a bonding portion that penetrates the protrusion and bonds the protrusion to the first bent portion.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The protrusion extends along the height direction of the first plate portion.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The protrusion includes a first plane extending along the first direction, a second plane at an angle ranging from 10° to 80° relative to the first plane, and a first connecting portion connecting the first plane to the second plane.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The first plane is substantially parallel to the second plate portion.

15. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The first bending portion includes a first contact surface that contacts the first plane, a second contact surface that contacts the second plane, and a second connecting portion that connects the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The connecting portion penetrates the protrusion and connects the first contact surface to the second contact surface.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein, The battery module further includes a welded portion on the surface of the second plate portion opposite to the first contact surface, and wherein the welded portion is configured to form the bonding portion by being heated.

18. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The second plate portion includes a second bent portion extending from the first bent portion, and The second bent portion bends in the opposite direction to the first bent portion.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein, The second bending portion includes an extended surface that extends away from the first plate portion and a third connecting portion that connects the extended surface to the second contact surface.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, wherein, The first plate portion includes a second recessed portion recessed inward from the surface of the first plate portion, and wherein the third connecting portion is located in the second recessed portion.

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